Online therapy has shifted from a pandemic-era workaround to a mainstream, clinically accepted form of psychological treatment. In the Netherlands, it is now a standard part of how psychologists work — and for many clients, it is the preferred option.
If you are considering online therapy but are not sure what to expect, this guide covers everything you need to know before booking your first session.
Does Online Therapy Actually Work?
This is the most important question, and the research answers it clearly: yes.
Multiple large-scale studies have found that online CBT (Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy) produces outcomes equivalent to in-person therapy for anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions. A 2018 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders found no significant difference in treatment outcomes between face-to-face and internet-delivered CBT.
For EMDR, the evidence for online delivery has also grown substantially since 2020. Bilateral stimulation can be delivered effectively via screen — through eye movements, self-administered tapping, or audio — with results comparable to in-person sessions.
The therapeutic relationship — the quality of connection between therapist and client — was long considered the primary risk factor for online therapy. Research has largely not confirmed this concern: most clients report feeling a meaningful connection with their therapist online, particularly after the first few sessions.
Who Benefits Most from Online Therapy?
Online therapy suits a wide range of people, but it tends to work particularly well for:
Expats and internationally mobile clients. Geography is no longer a barrier. You can work with a psychologist based in Utrecht from anywhere in the Netherlands — or from abroad, subject to licensing regulations.
People with demanding schedules. No commute, no travel time, more flexibility around work hours.
Those who feel more comfortable at home. For some people, the familiar environment of their own space actually reduces anxiety and makes it easier to open up.
People with social anxiety. The lower social exposure of online interaction can make it easier to take the first step into therapy.
Anyone in a city with long waiting lists. Online access opens up a broader pool of available therapists, which can dramatically reduce the time to first appointment.
Who Might Be Better Served In-Person?
Online therapy is not the right fit for every situation. It may be less suitable for:
- Severe psychiatric conditions requiring close clinical monitoring
- Clients who struggle significantly with technology or screen-based interaction
- Certain phases of trauma work that benefit from closer physical co-regulation with the therapist
- Children and younger adolescents, for whom in-person contact is often preferred
If you are unsure whether online therapy is appropriate for your situation, a psychologist can advise you during an initial consultation.
What a Typical Online Session Looks Like
Before the session: You receive a link — usually via a secure healthcare-specific platform (not standard video tools like Zoom). Platforms commonly used in Dutch practice include Therapieland, Minddistrict, or encrypted alternatives that comply with GDPR and Dutch healthcare privacy standards (NEN 7510).
At the start: The therapist checks in with you about how you are doing. The opening of a session online tends to be slightly more structured than in-person, since the therapist cannot observe you as fully in the waiting room or hallway.
During the session: The session proceeds much like an in-person appointment — conversation, exercises, and techniques specific to the therapeutic approach. For CBT, this might include reviewing homework, thought records, or working through a specific situation. For EMDR, the therapist guides bilateral stimulation via screen.
After the session: Many psychologists share a short summary or assign between-session exercises via a secure portal. Consistency between sessions is particularly important in online therapy.
Technical Requirements
You do not need anything sophisticated. A stable internet connection, a device with a camera and microphone, and a private space where you will not be interrupted are sufficient.
The private space is the part most people underestimate. Therapy requires you to speak freely — which is difficult if you are in a shared apartment, a home office with thin walls, or anywhere you are worried about being overheard. Even a parked car, a quiet café with headphones, or a reserved meeting room at work can serve as an alternative if privacy at home is genuinely difficult.
Insurance and Costs in the Netherlands
Online therapy through a NIP-registered psychologist in the Netherlands is treated the same as in-person therapy for insurance purposes. Whether partial reimbursement is available depends on your specific insurance plan and the registration status of your psychologist.
Private practice psychologists — whether online or in-person — are typically paid directly by the client. Some insurers reimburse part of the cost through aanvullende verzekering (supplementary insurance). It is worth checking with your insurer before starting.
How to Find an Online Therapist in the Netherlands
Look for a NIP-registered psychologist who explicitly offers online sessions. PsyNed (psyned.nl) allows you to filter by online availability. Expat-focused practices are particularly accustomed to working online, since their clients are often spread across the country.
Before committing, take advantage of the free introductory call that most private psychologists offer. Use it to assess not just the practical details, but whether you feel comfortable — because the quality of the relationship with your therapist matters regardless of whether sessions happen on a screen or in a room.
Ready to Start?
Online therapy in the Netherlands is accessible, effective, and — for many expats and international professionals — simply the most practical way to access quality psychological support.
At ExpatPsychologie, we offer online sessions in English and Polish, using CBT, ACT, and EMDR approaches. Appointments are flexible and can usually be scheduled within one to two weeks.